North Reading Pastor On Leave After Sex Abuse Allegation From ’70s

NORTH READING (CBS) — The Archdiocese of Boston announced Sunday that it had put a North Reading pastor on leave after receiving an allegation of sex abuse.

Rev. Thomas M. Gillespie, a pastor at St. Theresa of Lisieux Parish, is now on an administrative leave of absence after the Archdiocese said it received an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor.

The alleged abuse occurred in the late 1970s, but was only recently reported, according to the Archdiocese.

The Archdiocese said it notified law enforcement immediately and has started its own investigation into the allegation.

“The decision to place Fr. Gillespie on administrative leave represents the Archdiocese’s commitment to the welfare of all parties and does not represent a determination of Fr. Gillespie’s guilt or innocence as it pertains to this allegation,” the Archdiocese said.